Library
Public-domain books — and room for your own
The Mayor of Casterbridge
"The Mayor of Casterbridge" by Thomas Hardy is a novel published in 1886. In a drunken moment at a country fair, young hay-trusser Michael Henchard auctions off his wife and infant daughter to a stranger. Years later, filled with remorse and now a successful mayor, Henchard attempts to rebuild his life when his past returns unexpectedly. This tale follows his struggles with ambition, rivalry, and the consequences of his fateful decision in rural England. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
McTeague: A Story of San Francisco
"McTeague: A Story of San Francisco" by Frank Norris is a novel published in 1899. It follows a San Francisco dentist and his wife as their marriage disintegrates into violence and tragedy, driven by jealousy, greed, and obsession with money. When McTeague loses his dental practice through betrayal, the couple descends into poverty while his wife's miserly hoarding intensifies. Their story builds toward a devastating climax in the desolate wasteland of Death Valley, where past grievances and stolen gold lead to a final, haunting confrontation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
"The Return of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of 13 stories published in 1905. After Holmes's apparent death in 1893, Doyle faced intense pressure to revive his famous detective. This collection marks the character's dramatic comeback, beginning with Holmes reappearing in London and explaining his mysterious absence from 1891 to 1894. The stories follow the detective and Watson through new cases of murder, blackmail, and cryptic mysteries across England. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
"The Return of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a collection of 13 stories published in 1905. After Holmes's apparent death in 1893's "The Final Problem," Doyle faced intense pressure to revive his famous detective. This collection marks Holmes's dramatic return to London, explaining his mysterious absence from 1891 to 1894. The stories follow Holmes and Watson through new cases involving cryptic codes, missing persons, and dangerous criminals across Victorian England. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Arabian Nights Entertainments
"The Arabian Nights Entertainments" by Andrew Lang is a collection of fairy tales and folk stories compiled during the late 19th century. This work serves as an English translation of the classic tales of "The Arabian Nights," showcasing a variety of enchanting narratives that often involve themes of adventure, love, and moral lessons. The opening chapters introduce significant characters such as Sultan Schahriar and his clever wife, Scheherazade, who narrates the stories to survive the Sultan's deadly decree against women. The opening of the book sets the stage for the intriguing framework of Scheherazade's storytelling as a means of saving her own life and the lives of other women. As she volunteers to marry Sultan Schahriar, who has been executing his brides each day, she devises a clever plan to postpone her fate. Each night, she captivates the Sultan’s attention with an incomplete tale, leaving him curious for more. The first story she tells involves a merchant and a vengeful genius, unfolding into a sequence of stories that eventually weave into a larger narrative tapestry, each revealing the complexity of human nature and the whimsicality of fate.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is a picaresque novel published in 1884-1885. Told in vernacular English, it follows young Huck Finn as he escapes his abusive father and flees down the Mississippi River with Jim, an enslaved man seeking freedom. Their journey brings encounters with feuding families, con artists, and moral dilemmas that challenge Huck's conscience. Set in the antebellum South, this sequel to "Tom Sawyer" is celebrated for its portrayal of boyhood and its satirical examination of racism and society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
无声戏
李渔的短篇集。「无声戏」是他给小说起的名目——不出声的戏。多写反常的婚姻和家庭。
荀子
三十二篇,多是成篇的论说文,不像《论语》《孟子》那样是语录。讲性恶、讲礼、讲怎么学。
An Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning's Poetry
"An Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning's Poetry" by Hiram Corson is a critical examination of the poetry of Robert Browning, written during the late 19th century. The book aims to offer guidance for understanding Browning's complex and subjective works, particularly focusing on his unique use of the dramatic monologue—a form he pioneered that reveals the psychological depth of his characters. The opening of the text sets the stage for an exploration into Browning's poetic techniques and thematic concerns, emphasizing the spirituality deeply embedded in his work. Corson discusses the challenges readers face when approaching Browning, noting that his poetry often intertwines intricate thought with dramatic expression. The preface, along with Corson's insights, suggests that the study of Browning's poetry is not merely an intellectual exercise but also a spiritual one, urging readers to connect with the emotional and metaphysical layers of his work. This foundational perspective paves the way for a detailed examination of specific poems, ultimately highlighting Browning's quest for deeper truths regarding the human experience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The House of the Seven Gables
"The House of the Seven Gables" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a Gothic novel written beginning in mid-1850 and published in April 1851. The story follows a New England family haunted by an ancient curse tied to their ancestral home, built on land wrongfully seized during the Salem Witch Trials. Exploring themes of guilt, retribution, and atonement, the novel weaves together past and present as impoverished Hepzibah Pyncheon, her brother Clifford, and their young cousin Phoebe confront family secrets and the mysterious death of Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea
"Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea" by Jules Verne is a science fiction adventure novel serialized from 1869 to 1870. When ships worldwide report encounters with a mysterious sea monster, an American expedition sets out to destroy it. Professor Aronnax, harpooner Ned Land, and servant Conseil discover the creature is actually a futuristic submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Held captive aboard the Nautilus, they embark on an extraordinary underwater journey, witnessing marvels and mysteries beneath the waves while uncovering their captor's dark past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Anne of Green Gables
"Anne of Green Gables" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel published in 1908. When eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables farm by mistake, the Cuthbert siblings had requested a boy to help with farmwork. Imaginative, talkative, and eager to belong, Anne must prove herself worthy of staying. The story follows her adventures in the village of Avonlea—making friends, excelling at school, clashing with rival Gilbert Blythe, and transforming the lives of everyone around her. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
礼记
四十九篇,战国到汉初儒者讲礼的文章汇编,不是一人一时之作。《大学》《中庸》原本是其中两篇。讲的既有仪节本身,也有仪节背后的道理。
The Lost Continent
"The Lost Continent" by Charles John Cutcliffe Wright Hyne is a fantasy novel published in 1899. This classic retelling of Atlantis combines Plato's legendary account with Greek mythology about humanity's survival of a great flood. Told through a framing device, the story follows Deucalion, a warrior-priest of ancient Atlantis, as he fights to save his civilization from destruction at the hands of the avaricious Empress Phorenice. His heroic battle unfolds against the backdrop of a doomed continent sinking beneath the waves. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Reef
"The Reef" by Edith Wharton is a novel published in 1912. American diplomat George Darrow reconnects with his former love, the widowed Anna Leath, hoping to resume their romance. But when a brief affair with young Sophy Viner complicates matters—especially after Sophy becomes governess to Anna's daughter and engaged to Anna's stepson—hidden passions and jealousies threaten everyone's future. Set in Paris and rural France, this tale explores the destructive power of secrets and desire. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
吕氏春秋
秦相吕不韦召集门客编的,分十二纪、八览、六论,想把诸家学说合成一部书。多用故事说理,读起来不像子书像文选。
The $30,000 Bequest, and Other Stories
"The $30,000 Bequest, and Other Stories" by Mark Twain is a collection of thirty comic short stories published in 1906. Spanning nearly four decades of Twain's career, from 1865 to 1904, these tales showcase his signature humor and satirical wit. The collection includes the titular story alongside earlier works like "Advice to Young Girls" and "A Burlesque Biography." Published by Harper and Brothers, this volume brought together previously published pieces with minimal revision from their original forms. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
What Is Man? and Other Essays
"What Is Man? and Other Essays" by Mark Twain is a collection of essays and philosophical dialogues written in the late 19th century. The essays explore profound inquiries into human nature, morality, and the influences that shape our thoughts and behaviors. The opening dialogue focuses on a conversation between an Old Man and a Young Man, wherein they debate whether human beings are merely machines driven by external influences, leading to a discussion about personal merit and the essence of free will. The beginning of this work sets the stage for Twain’s exploration of existential questions and the concept of man as a machine. The Old Man argues that individuals do not create their thoughts or actions independently; instead, they are influenced and shaped by their experiences and environment, likening humanity's state to that of a complex engine rather than free-thinking beings. He discusses the origins of opinions and virtues, suggesting that every impulse—whether for noble or selfish reasons—is ultimately aimed at appeasing one's inner self.
The Son of Tarzan
"The Son of Tarzan" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is an adventure novel written in 1915. For the first time in the series, the story centers on Tarzan's son Jack rather than Tarzan himself. When Jack discovers his father's secret past and befriends a captive ape, he embarks on a dangerous journey to Africa that transforms him into Korak—"the killer." In the jungle, he rescues an abused girl named Meriem, and together they survive years of adventure while his parents search desperately for their missing son. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
老残游记
一个走方郎中在山东的见闻。写清末官场,矛头指向「清官」——自以为不要钱就可以任意杀人的那一类。大明湖和王小玉说书两段最常被单摘出来。
From the Earth to the moon; and, round the moon
"From the Earth to the Moon; and, Round the Moon" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1865. After the American Civil War, the Baltimore Gun Club proposes an audacious plan: build a massive cannon to launch three men to the Moon. When the club's president, his rival, and a French adventurer volunteer for the journey, they must solve the problem of surviving the explosive acceleration. The projectile launches successfully, but their fate remains uncertain until the sequel reveals their voyage through space. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Anne of Avonlea
"Anne of Avonlea" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel published in 1909. This sequel follows Anne Shirley from ages sixteen to eighteen as she becomes Avonlea's schoolteacher on Prince Edward Island. Anne navigates the challenges of teaching, helps raise two orphaned twins, and co-founds the Village Improvement Society with mixed results. Along the way, she befriends an imaginative student and reunites a lonely woman with her long-lost love, all while preparing for college alongside her friend Gilbert. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Return of Tarzan
"The Return of Tarzan" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel first published in 1913. After sacrificing his chance to marry Jane Porter, Tarzan travels to Europe where he makes deadly enemies of the villains Rokoff and Paulovitch. His adventures lead him through France, Algeria, and eventually back to the African jungle of his youth. There, he becomes chief of the Waziri tribe and discovers the lost city of Opar. Meanwhile, Jane's yacht expedition along Africa's coast leads to unexpected reunions and life-threatening dangers in the wilderness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
At the Back of the North Wind
"At the Back of the North Wind" by George MacDonald is a children's fantasy book serialized beginning in 1868 and published in 1871. It follows a sweet boy named Diamond who befriends the mysterious Lady North Wind, a goddess-like being. Together they fly through the nights on magical adventures that help Diamond understand her true nature. The story explores deep theological questions while depicting a Christ-like child who brings joy and peace wherever he goes, fighting despair and gloom in a world he doesn't quite belong to. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Eothen; Or, Traces of Travel Brought Home from the East
"Eothen; Or, Traces of Travel Brought Home from the East" by A. W. Kinglake is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. The book recounts the author's experiences as he journeys from Europe into the Ottoman Empire, particularly focusing on the cultural and geographical contrasts he encounters, as well as the characters he meets along the way. At the start of the narrative, the author describes his departure from Semlin, situated on the fringes of Europe, towards the contrasting world of the East, marked by the looming presence of historic Belgrade and the customs of its Ottoman inhabitants. He introduces a sense of tension between the Hungarian and Ottoman people, emphasizing the separation caused by fear of plague. The narrative captures the author's initial interactions with Turkish locals and describes their traditional attire, demeanor, and the aura of the Ottoman culture. The opening thus sets the stage for a broader exploration of themes related to East and West, cultural exchange, and personal transformation in a land imbued with rich history and complex social dynamics. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Tarzan of the Apes
"Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel published in 1914. When an English nobleman's infant son is orphaned in the African jungle, he is adopted and raised by apes. Named Tarzan, meaning "White Skin," he grows up torn between his ape family and his human heritage. His world changes dramatically when a new group arrives, including Jane Porter, the first white woman he encounters. This tale explores identity, civilization, and the conflict between nature and heredity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Scarlet Pimpernel
"The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy Orczy is a historical fiction novel published in 1905. Set during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, it follows a mysterious Englishman who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney appears to be merely a wealthy fop, but conceals a daring secret identity. When his wife Marguerite becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving a French agent, she must uncover the truth about her husband before it's too late. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Phantom of the Opera
"The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux is a Gothic horror novel first published in 1909-1910. Set beneath the grand Paris Opera House, the story follows a mysterious, disfigured figure known as the Phantom who haunts the theater's depths. When he becomes obsessed with a young soprano named Christine Daaé, a dangerous love triangle emerges involving her childhood friend Raoul. As the Phantom's demands grow more violent and his jealousy intensifies, Christine finds herself trapped between two worlds—one above ground, one in the shadows below. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Beauty and the Beast, and Tales of Home
"Beauty and the Beast" by Bayard Taylor is a novel that intertwines fact and fancy, presenting a narrative set in mid-19th century Russia. The story engages with themes of love, power dynamics, and societal customs, focused on the characters of Prince Alexis, his wife Princess Martha, and their son Prince Boris. It explores the complexities of their lives within the context of Russian nobility and serfdom, revealing the interpersonal struggles and emotions that shape their world. The opening portion introduces us to Kinesma, a town on the Volga, where Prince Alexis finds himself in turmoil over a postponed dinner. His comedic insistence on avoiding a festival for his son leads to a series of events involving a drunken bear and a harried court-poet, setting the stage for the whimsical yet dark environment of the castle. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the egocentric behaviors of Alexis, the meekness of Princess Martha, and the cowardly nature of Boris, all richly painted against the backdrop of Russian culture and humor. The tone oscillates between severe brutality and lighthearted farce, foreshadowing the transformations that will occur as their lives progress.
呼兰河传
萧红写她的家乡小城。没有连贯的情节,一章一个片段:街道、节庆、祖父的后园、隔壁的团圆媳妇。
梦溪笔谈
沈括晚年的笔记,六百多条,从官制掌故到天文、算学、地质。活字印刷最早的记载在这本书里。
Persuasion
"Persuasion" by Jane Austen is a novel published in 1817. Eight years after being persuaded to break off her engagement to naval officer Frederick Wentworth, twenty-seven-year-old Anne Elliot encounters him again when his sister rents her family's estate. Now wealthy and eligible, Wentworth mingles with Anne's social circle while she quietly observes, her feelings unchanged. As misunderstandings unfold and new attachments form, the story explores whether second chances at love are possible when pride and past regrets stand between two hearts. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The Scarlet Letter
"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a historical novel published in 1850. Set in Puritan Massachusetts during the 1640s, it follows Hester Prynne, who bears a child outside marriage and must wear a scarlet "A" as punishment for adultery. While Hester refuses to name the father, her long-lost husband arrives in disguise, vowing revenge. The story explores sin, guilt, and redemption as secrets threaten to destroy lives in this unforgiving community. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The gods of Mars
"The Gods of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel first published as a serial in 1913. John Carter returns to Mars after ten years, only to materialize in the Valley Dor—the Martian afterlife from which no one may leave. There he discovers a dark truth: the supposed gods of Mars are frauds who enslave and devour pilgrims seeking paradise. Carter must fight through layers of deception, rescue his beloved Dejah Thoris, and lead a massive fleet against false deities to expose the lies that have deceived an entire world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Freckles
"Freckles" by Gene Stratton-Porter is a novel written in 1904. A young orphan with only one hand takes a job guarding valuable timber in Indiana's Limberlost Swamp. Initially terrified of the wilderness, Freckles gradually falls in love with nature's beauty while facing threats from timber thieves. His courage is tested when he encounters a mysterious girl he calls the Swamp Angel, and discovers deeper connections with his employer McLean, who offers him something he's never had—family. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
桃花扇
侯方域和李香君,一把题诗的扇子,背景是南明的一年。孔尚任用它写朝代的更替,结局是两人各自出家。
My Ántonia
"My Ántonia" by Willa Cather is a novel published in 1918. It follows orphaned Jim Burden and Ántonia Shimerda, a Bohemian immigrant girl, as they arrive as children in the Nebraska frontier. Their friendship deepens through shared adventures and hardships on the harsh prairie. As they grow older, their paths diverge—Jim pursues education while Ántonia faces family tragedy and hard labor. The story explores memory, pioneering life, and the enduring bond between two people shaped by the American West. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Remember the Alamo
"Remember the Alamo" by Amelia E. Barr is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative begins in the picturesque city of San Antonio, Texas, in the lead-up to the Mexican-American conflict where figures from diverse backgrounds, including American settlers, Mexicans, and Native Americans, interact amidst growing tensions. Central to the opening chapters are Dr. Robert Worth, a respected physician navigating the complexities of family and political loyalties, and his daughter Antonia, who embodies the cultural nuances of her heritage while grappling with emerging conflicts. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of San Antonio in the mid-19th century, characterized by its cultural diversity and the intertwining lives of its inhabitants. As Dr. Worth engages with his community, we witness Antonia's youthful hopes and loves, particularly her connection with the charming Don Luis, against the backdrop of the increasing call for independence among American settlers.
The Secret Garden
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a children's novel first published in 1911. When orphaned Mary Lennox arrives at her uncle's gloomy Yorkshire manor, she discovers a locked garden that has been abandoned for ten years. As Mary explores this hidden world, she uncovers family secrets and finds an unexpected companion—her bedridden cousin Colin. Together with a nature-loving boy named Dickon, the children nurture the forgotten garden back to life, transforming themselves in the process. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Paradise Lost
"Paradise Lost" by John Milton is an epic poem published in 1667. It retells the biblical story of humanity's fall: Satan's rebellion against God, his banishment to Hell, and his vengeful plot to corrupt God's newest creation—mankind. Through the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Milton explores themes of free will, obedience, and moral consequence. The poem features one of literature's most complex villains and ends with humanity's expulsion from Paradise, yet offers hope for redemption. (This is an automatically generated summary.)